India is set to advance a major inter-basin water transfer plan to utilise its share of Indus waters by constructing a 113 km-long canal to redirect surplus flows from Jammu & Kashmir to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. This initiative follows earlier short-term measures and includes reviving the long-pending Ujh multipurpose project in Kathua.

Home Minister Amit Shah announced that Indus waters will reach Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar via canals "within three years," adding that irrigation benefits will be widespread. The proposed canal, connecting the Chenab-Ravi-Beas-Sutlej rivers, will link with existing canal systems at 13 locations and integrate with the Indira Gandhi Canal. It is part of India’s broader plan to harness its full allocation under the Indus Waters Treaty and enhance climate resilience.

Plans also include doubling the Ranbir Canal's length and optimising Pratap canal usage. A barrage on Ravi below Ujh is also being considered to divert excess water from flowing into Pakistan. These long-term projects complement immediate steps like desilting Baglihar and Salal reservoirs and expediting hydro-power projects like Pakal Dul (Rs 1,000 MW), Ratle (Rs 850 MW), Kiru (Rs 624 MW), and Kwar (Rs 540 MW).